1. General information
Course:
GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Code:
13319
Type:
CORE COURSE
ECTS credits:
6
Degree:
341 - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Academic year:
2023-24
Center:
501 - FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Group(s):
40
Year:
3
Duration:
First semester
Main language:
Spanish
Second language:
English
Use of additional languages:
English Friendly:
Y
Web site:
Bilingual:
N
Lecturer:
Mª CARMEN FENOLL COMES
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/029
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
carmen.fenoll@uclm.es
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 13-15h (prior appointment by email)
Lecturer:
MARTA CARMEN GUADAMILLAS MORA
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
Sabatini/017.2
CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA AGROFORESTAL Y GENÉTICA
Marta.Guadamillas@uclm.es
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 13-15h (prior appointment by email)
Lecturer:
Mª DEL MAR MARTIN TRILLO
- Group(s):
40
Building/Office
Department
Phone number
Email
Office hours
ICAM/0.20
CIENCIAS AMBIENTALES
mariamar.martin@uclm.es
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 13-15h (prior appointment by email)
2. Pre-Requisites
No requirements have been established.
However, it is convenient that students have passed the subjects of Fundamentals of Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and
Genetics and Evolution (first year), Gene expression and its regulation, Structure and function of macromolecules and Signaling, control and cellular homeostasis
(second year).
3. Justification in the curriculum, relation to other subjects and to the profession
Knowledge and skills developed in Genetic Engineering are essential in any field of modern Biochemistry. They have direct applications in professional areas as basic research, diagnosis and molecular monitoring, pharmaceutical and agro-alimentary industries, and any biotechnological activity. The acquisition of these skills enables to design different strategies to generate genetic modified organisms, applicable to several fields (health, agrofood, biotechnological industries,…)
Genetic Engineering is fundamental to understand the experimental basis of concepts developed in other courses related to molecular biology. Biotechnology introduces to a specific and productive application of Genetic Engineering, related to other optative courses (Biotechnology and Biomedicine itineraries).
4. Degree competences achieved in this course
| Course competences | |
|---|---|
| Code | Description |
| E01 | Express themselves correctly in basic biological, physical, chemical, mathematical and computer terms. |
| E18 | To know the principles of the manipulation of nucleic acids, as well as the techniques that allow the study of the gene function and the development of transgenic organisms with applications in biomedicine, industry, environment, agriculture, etc. |
| E31 | To know and know how to apply the regulations on quality control and management and the legal and ethical bases involved in the development and application of the molecular life sciences. |
| G01 | To possess and understand the knowledge in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at a level that, based on advanced textbooks, also includes cutting-edge aspects of relevance in the discipline |
| G02 | To know how to apply the knowledge of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to professional practice and to possess the necessary intellectual skills and abilities for this practice, including the capacity for: information management, analysis and synthesis, problem solving, organization and planning and generation of new ideas. |
| G03 | Be able to collect and interpret relevant data, information and results, draw conclusions and issue reasoned reports on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues in connection with advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. |
| G04 | To know how to transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to a specialized and non-specialized public. |
| G05 | Develop those strategies and learning skills necessary to undertake further studies in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and other related areas with a high degree of autonomy. |
| G06 | Acquire skills in the handling of computer programs including access to bibliographic, structural or any other type of databases useful in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. |
5. Objectives or Learning Outcomes
| Course learning outcomes | |
|---|---|
| Description | |
| Solve and design experiments in the field of Molecular Biology. | |
| To know the model organisms used in biotechnology, their potential and characteristics. | |
| Acquire the basic concepts necessary for the use of recombinant DNA technology. | |
| To understand the potential applications of molecular biotechnology in agriculture, food, medicine, environment and industry and the main current trends and future challenges. | |
| Acquire the necessary scientific criteria to develop professional ethics in the application of genetic engineering and biotechnology. | |
| Become familiar with the scientific literature and with the search for and communication of scientific information. | |
| Become familiar with experimental techniques for studying gene function. | |
| To know the techniques used to obtain genetically modified microorganisms, plants and animals. | |
| Understand the molecular basis and applications of different methods of interrupting the specific expression of gene function. | |
| Additional outcomes | |
| Description | |
| To obtain an introductory training in holistic and reverse genetic experimental approaches in the fileds of genomics and genetic engineering | |
6. Units / Contents
-
Unit 1: INTRODUCTION
-
Unit 1.1: Genetic Engineering and modern Biotechnology. Multidisciplinary approach, current developmental fields and future perspectives. Theoretical basis, development and applications of recombinant DNA technologies.
-
-
Unit 2: BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING
-
Unit 2.1: NUCLEIC ACID MANIPULATION. DNA manipulative enzymes. 2.1.1 Nucleases. Modifying and restriction mechanisms. Applications of restriction enzymes. 2.1.2 DNA ligases. DNA polymerases. Terminal modifying enzymes.
-
Unit 2.2: BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING I: 2.2.1. Isolation, extraction and purification of nucleic acids. 2.2.2. Analysis techniques: electrophoresis. Labeling of nucleic acids. Hybridation of nucleic acids and proteins (Southern, Northern and Western blot).
-
Unit 2.3: BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING II: 2.3.1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Variations of classical techniques: RT-PCR and quantitative PCR. Applications of PCR. 2.3.2. Nucleic acid sequencing.
-
Unit 2.4: PRINCIPLES OF DNA CLONING. 2.4.1. Recombinant DNA. Cloning strategies: obtaining DNA, DNA ligation, transformation. Clone selection. 2.4.2. Prokaryotic cloning vectors. Plasmids: identification, features and types. Plasmid incompatibility. Cosmids. Cloning strategies: DNA obtaining, DNA ligation, transformation. Clone selection. Protein engineering.
-
Unit 2.5: GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN PLANTS. 2.5.1 Model species. Vectors and methods of transfection and stable transformation 2.5.2. Selection and propagation of transgenic lines. Chloroplast transformation.
-
Unit 2.6: GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN ANIMALS. 2.6.1. Model species. Vectors and methods of transfection and stable transformation. 2.6.2.Selection and propagation of transgenic animals.
-
-
Unit 3: STRATEGIES BASED ON GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR GENE AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS.
-
Unit 3.1: GENE IDENTIFICATION. 3.1.1. Construction of genomic libraries. Types and features. cDNA libraries. 3.1.2.Screening methods.
-
Unit 3.2: GENE EXPRESSION: 3.2.1.Transcript detection and quantification (Northern, RT-PCR). 3.2.2. Reporter genes. 3.2.3. Differential gene expression analysis. Microarrays and RNA-seq.
-
Unit 3.3: GENE FUNCTION ANALYSIS BY MUTAGENESIS I: 3.3.1. Mutagenesis. Random mutagenesis. Directed mutagenesis. 3.3.2. Directed molecular evolution. Protein engineering.
-
Unit 3.4: GENE FUNCTION ANALYSIS BY MUTAGENESIS II: Reverse Genetics. Holistic (genomic) strategies in animals and plants. 3.4.1. Random insertional mutagenesis: collections of insertion lines and gene trapping. 3.4.2. Site-directed insertional mutagenesis: Cre-Lox-based systems.
-
Unit 3.5: ANALYSIS OF GENE FUNCTIONS BY PRECISION GENE EDITION. 3.5.1. Meganucleases (TALEN, Zn fingers). 3.5.2. CRISPR/Cas9 system.
-
Unit 3.6: ANALYSIS AND MODIFICATION OF GENE EXPRESSION in animals and plants. 3.6.1. Analysis of specific promoters: gene reporters. 3.6.2. Identification of new promoters: promoter traps collections. 3.5.3. Subcellular localization and protein dynamics. 3.5.3. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated gene silencing. 3.5.4. Ectopic (GAL4/UAS) or conditional (XVE/Olex) gene expression.
-
Unit 3.7: ANALYSIS OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MACROMOLECULES. 3.7.1. DNA-protein interaction: IN VITRO (EMSAs), IN VIVO (ChIP) and functional assays (Y1H and transactivation). 3.7.2. Protein-protein interactions. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC).
-
-
Unit 4: BIOTECHNOLOGY BASED ON GENETIC ENGINEERING
-
Unit 4.1: Medical and veterinary applications.
-
Unit 4.2: Applications in agriculture and food.
-
Unit 4.3: Environmental and industrial applications.
-
-
Unit 5: LABORATORY PRACTICE
-
Unit 5.1: GMOs IDENTIFICATION BY PCR
-
Unit 5.2: CLONING AND IDENTIFICATION OF RECOMBINANT PLASMIDS
-
Unit 5.3: DESIGN OF A CLONING EXPERIMENT
-
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, REMARKS
Unit 4 will be developed through group work on bibliography suggested by the teachers. The works will be presented orally in the last
course sessions.
7. Activities, Units/Modules and Methodology
| Training Activity | Methodology | Related Competences (only degrees before RD 822/2021) | ECTS | Hours | As | Com | Description | |
| Class Attendance (theory) [ON-SITE] | Lectures | E01 E18 E31 G01 G02 | 1.16 | 29 | N | N | Lectures by professor (2-4h per week). | |
| Other off-site activity [OFF-SITE] | Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) | E18 E31 G02 G03 | 0.56 | 14 | Y | N | Delivery of problems and case studies proposed by teachers. The activity is non-recoverable. | |
| Problem solving and/or case studies [ON-SITE] | Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) | E01 E18 E31 G02 G03 | 0.2 | 5 | Y | N | Problem solving by students. This activity is non-recoverable. | |
| Laboratory practice or sessions [ON-SITE] | Practical or hands-on activities | E01 E18 G02 G03 G05 | 0.72 | 18 | Y | Y | Realization of laboratory practices. It is a compulsory and non-reschedulable activity. Students will have to pass an exam, which is recoverable in the extraordinary and finalization exams. | |
| Writing of reports or projects [OFF-SITE] | Group Work | E01 E18 G01 G03 G06 | 0.16 | 4 | Y | N | Elaboration of a group presentation about a relevant scientific paper or topic, related to unit 4. Non-recoverable. | |
| Study and Exam Preparation [OFF-SITE] | Self-study | E01 E18 E31 G01 G03 | 2.88 | 72 | N | N | ||
| Final test [ON-SITE] | Assessment tests | E01 E18 E31 G01 G03 | 0.08 | 2 | Y | Y | Written exam to assess knowledge on the main contents of the second part of the subject (if the mid-term test is passed) or of all the contents (otherwise). A minimum mark of 4.0 is required. The activity is recoverable in the extraordinary and the finalization exams. | |
| Mid-term test [ON-SITE] | Assessment tests | E01 E18 E31 G01 G03 | 0.08 | 2 | Y | N | Written exam to assess knowledge on the main contents of the first part of the course. A minimum mark of 4.0 is required to pass this activity (recoverable). | |
| Project or Topic Presentations [ON-SITE] | Combination of methods | E01 E18 G01 G03 G04 | 0.16 | 4 | Y | N | Group presentation about scientific papers or topics related to unit 4. This activity is non-reschedulable. | |
| Total: | 6 | 150 | ||||||
| Total credits of in-class work: 2.4 | Total class time hours: 60 | |||||||
| Total credits of out of class work: 3.6 | Total hours of out of class work: 90 | |||||||
As: Assessable training activity Com: Training activity of compulsory overcoming (It will be essential to overcome both continuous and non-continuous assessment).
8. Evaluation criteria and Grading System
| Evaluation System | Continuous assessment | Non-continuous evaluation * | Description |
| Assessment of problem solving and/or case studies | 10.00% | 0.00% | Problem solving and case studies delivered will be assessed. This activity is non-recoverable. |
| Laboratory sessions | 10.00% | 10.00% | Realization of laboratory practices is compulsory. A minimun mark of 4.0 is required. Recoverable in the second resit. |
| Oral presentations assessment | 10.00% | 10.00% | Synthesis ability, overall understanding and creativity will be assessed. |
| Mid-term tests | 35.00% | 0.00% | A minimum mark of 4.0 is required to pass this test. Recoverable. |
| Final test | 35.00% | 80.00% | Mandatory and recoverable activity. A minimum mark of 4.0 is required to pass the activity. |
| Total: | 100.00% | 100.00% |
According to art. 4 of the UCLM Student Evaluation Regulations, it must be provided to students who cannot regularly attend face-to-face training activities the passing of the subject, having the right (art. 12.2) to be globally graded, in 2 annual calls per subject , an ordinary and an extraordinary one (evaluating 100% of the competences).
Evaluation criteria for the final exam:
-
Continuous assessment:The default modality assigned to the student will be the continuous evaluation. Any student may request a change to the non-continuous evaluation modality (before the end of the class period) by sending an e-mail to the professor, provided that he/she has not completed the evaluable activities corresponding to 50% total qualification.
Autonomous learning capacity will be evaluated, as well as critical reasoning, through various tests as indicated in the table.
To pass the course is required:
-A minimum mark of 4.0 in the final test.
-Practical lessons attendance and a minimum mark of 4.0 in practical lessons.
-A minimum global qualification of 5. -
Non-continuous evaluation:For those students who express their interest to the teacher, in the above cited conditions. Autonomous learning capacity will be evaluated, as well as critical reasoning, through various tests as indicated in the table.
The final grade for the course will be calculated taking into account the percentages in the table above. The subject will be passed with a 5.
In any case, to pass the subject it will be necessary to:
To pass the course is required:
-A minimum mark of 4.0 in the final test.
-Practical lessons attendance and a minimum mark of 4.0 in practical lessons.
-A minimum global qualification of 5.
Specifications for the resit/retake exam:
The same criteria will be followed as for the ordinary test.
The grades obtained in the different theoretical and practical tests, carried out throughout the course will be kept for the resit exam
The grades obtained in the different theoretical and practical tests, carried out throughout the course will be kept for the resit exam
Specifications for the second resit / retake exam:
To pass this call there will only be a final test that will account for 100% of the grade, as long as the laboratory practices have been carried out
9. Assignments, course calendar and important dates
| Not related to the syllabus/contents | |
|---|---|
| Hours | hours |
| Unit 1 (de 5): INTRODUCTION | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] | 1 |
| Group 40: | |
| Initial date: 11-09-2023 | End date: 11-09-2023 |
| Unit 2 (de 5): BASIC TECHNIQUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] | 14 |
| Problem solving and/or case studies [PRESENCIAL][Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL)] | 3 |
| Group 40: | |
| Initial date: 12-09-2023 | End date: 06-10-2023 |
| Unit 3 (de 5): STRATEGIES BASED ON GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR GENE AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS. | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Class Attendance (theory) [PRESENCIAL][Lectures] | 14 |
| Problem solving and/or case studies [PRESENCIAL][Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL)] | 2 |
| Final test [PRESENCIAL][Assessment tests] | 2 |
| Mid-term test [PRESENCIAL][Assessment tests] | 2 |
| Group 40: | |
| Initial date: 09-10-2023 | End date: 15-12-2023 |
| Unit 4 (de 5): BIOTECHNOLOGY BASED ON GENETIC ENGINEERING | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Project or Topic Presentations [PRESENCIAL][Combination of methods] | 4 |
| Group 40: | |
| Initial date: 18-12-2023 | End date: 22-12-2023 |
| Comment: Final test will be taken in the Ordinary exam period. | |
| Unit 5 (de 5): LABORATORY PRACTICE | |
|---|---|
| Activities | Hours |
| Laboratory practice or sessions [PRESENCIAL][Practical or hands-on activities] | 18 |
| Group 40: | |
| Initial date: 16-10-2023 | End date: 10-11-2023 |
| Global activity | |
|---|---|
| Activities | hours |
10. Bibliography and Sources
